Helen C. ‘Cathy’ Sweeney, 76 of Andover, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026 after a long illness at Academy Manor in Andover, where she resided.
She was born on August 4, 1949, in Lowell, the daughter of the late Dr. Joseph Sweeney and Helen (Callahan) Sweeney. She grew up in the Grove, near Sacred Heart Church, where she was an active member of the parish community, playing the trumpet in the Church Band, and was the first from the parish to perform in New York City. She attended Sacred Heart School before graduating from Notre Dame Academy. She later continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern University.
Cathy truly enjoyed her career as a medical technologist, phlebotomist, and analyst. She worked in medical laboratories beginning in the late 1960s, including roles at Tewksbury State Hospital, the former St. John’s Hospital and Hale Hospital in Haverhill. She ultimately retired from Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.
The beach was a special place of solace for Cathy, spending time in Hampton became a tradition from childhood. She had a lifelong love of animals, especially her cats and dogs, and she also enjoyed music. She was a very kind and generous person who was deeply devoted to her family. She cherished the time she spent with her nieces, nephews and cousins, who will remember those moments fondly.
Survivors include her siblings, Joseph D. Sweeney and his wife, Paula (Deignan) of Dracut, Dr. William E. Sweeney and his wife, Marie (Kirwin) of Tewksbury, Atty. Thomas E. Sweeney of Lowell and his partner, Linda Diefendorf of Maine; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister and brother in law, the late Miriam A. (Sweeney) Murphy and her husband, the late Hugh Murphy; and her brother and sister in law, the late George L. Sweeney and his wife, the late Marvalee Sweeney.
Her funeral service will take place on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Saint Patrick Cemetery Chapel. www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com